Buying A Bee Hive?Some Tips

Looking at bee hives for sale in your local newspaper? Take a look at these quick tips before you buy.

Please note that clicking on the links opens a new window.

1.
Are you a member of a beekeeping association? If you are, it may be
that they have set up a deal with some suppliers, so that you can gain a
discount from the price if you order through them.

2. Are you thinking of buying second-hand? If so, be cautious. Ask why the beekeeper wished to sell.

Did their bees have diseases? Has the
bee hive been properly cleaned and scorched with a blow torch? Then again, if you are going to purchase second hand, it will be worth you giving the equipment another clean anyway, to be doubly sure everything really is tip top.

Avoid
purchasing second-hand frames, as the risk of transmitting the diseases
is not worth it. Cleaning them is difficult, (dismantling, thoroughly
cleaning joints etc).

3. Could you make your own bee hive and save cash? Take a look at these free
bee hive plans.
You may be able to construct a new honey bee hive from off cuts of wood in the garage.

4.
Are you aware of all of the different types of bee hives available?
Here is a quick introduction to available models on my page
Honey Bee Hives
. It includes top bar hives (including Warre), national hives, WBC hives and so on.

Also,
before purchasing your bee hive, consider that it has to be
light enough for you to lift, yet strong enough to take the weight of
the honey.

Take into account that a super will weigh around 26 –
34 lbs / 12 – 15 kilograms. Do you have back problems? You need to
ensure you can lift this kind of weight without damaging yourself.

If you are concerned about back problems and weight, a top bar hive may be more appropriate for you.

5. If you are
beginning beekeeping,
you may benefit from asking yourself what kind of beekeeper you wish to
be, because this will help determine the type of bee hive you
select.

6. Again, if you are starting beekeeping for the first
time, be sure that keeping bees is wise for you. Is there sufficient
forage in the area? Are pesticides widely used in the vicinity? Do you or anyone in your family have an allergy to stings?

7.
It is possible to purchase hives made from wood sourced sustainably.
Don’t assume they are going to be more expensive than other bee hives.
Why not ask the supplier about the origin of the wood they have used?

8.
Nowadays, bee hives can be made from polystyrene or plastic. Is this
the right choice for your location? Will the components be at risk in
case of high winds?

9.
Plan ahead. Give yourself time to shop around and acquire what you
need, familiarise yourself with your equipment, and place your hive in a
suitable location before introducing the bees: i.e. position the hive with the entrance facing away from strong prevailing winds. Ensure you have easy access to the hive.

Check out these links for further information about honey bees and beekeeping:

How To Start Beekeeping
Go from Bee Hives For Sale to this main introductory page about beekeeping. Here you will find links to further information about beekeeping, such as beekeeping equipment, beekeeping videos to watch free on line, varroa and treating varroa mite, beekeeping books and do on.

Bee Plants
Go from Bee Hives For Sale to these very comprehensive lists of plants for bees, from garden plants, to herbs, wild flowers, trees, shrub and even fruit & veg.

Bee Stings
Go from Bee Hives For Sale to this main introductory page about bee stings. You or a neighbour may need to be re-assured about bee stings, and it may be helpful for you to know how to treat a bee sting - especially if you are new to beekeeping.